Chapter 26: A House of Learning

Augusta woke up feeling energized. After a bath, a meal, and a bit of struggle convincing her grandson to join her, she was ready to teach. She missed those days! Augusta had taught adults and teenagers for around forty years. She had now retired, but getting to teach kids was exciting for her. Harry and Hermione seemed very eager to learn. Even the Malfoy Scion would attend. When Neesy asked her if a muggle man could observe her lesson, her interest piqued. She had asked the elf what the man looked like, but she was absolutely no help. She only blushed furiously, shrugged, and replied he was a human. She was coming through the special goblin floo into Potter Manor's living room on the dot.

She went outside at the indications of Trippy, pulling a shy boy behind her as she walked. She opened the sliding door to the garden and saw that there was a lot she could teach. Many plants, animals, and is that a greenhouse? An actual real-life elven greenhouse?! Wow. Harry and Hermione were waiting for her sitting crossed-legged on the floor. Draco was looking at them in disdain and a bit of mortification. A Malfoy would never sit on the grass like that or disrespect a Lady of an important House.

The boy that came out with her was looking down at the floor. She motioned for him to stand next to Hermione. Augusta looked at Draco, motioned to the floor, and he looked at her in horror. She chuckled, waved her wand, and a green cushion appeared in front of his feet. Draco looked slightly relieved, but as manners dictated did not sit yet.

"Hello, younglings!" Augusta began. "As you may already know, I am Lady Augusta Longbottom. I am a Herbology Master. This is my grandson, Scion Neville Longbottom," she motioned at the boy who stood up straight and bowed stiffly. Malfoy returned the bow with significantly more grace, but Harry and Hermione looked at each other questioningly and said a cheery, "Nice to meet you, Neville."

"You are supposed to stand and bow or curtsey!" Malfoy, whisper shouted.

"We are?" the pair replied with wide eyes scrambling to get up.

"Were you raised by wolves?!" Malfoy asked. He could smack himself when he remembered Harry's uncles. Oh!

"Scion Malfoy, thank you for correcting your classmates. No mocking or offensive remarks like that in my class again, however."

Malfoy nodded, blushing, and sat on his green cushion with surprising grace. Harry and Hermione bowed and curtseyed clumsily. Neville sat back down on the ground.

"Harry, Hermione, you are the Lord and Lady of a Most Ancient and Noble House. That is an honor, a privilege, and a big responsibility. There are certain etiquette rules you must follow in formal introductions and formal ceremonies."

The kids nodded but seemed lost. She carried on, "I will give you both a couple of books on House Etiquette from House Longbottom. There should be a House Etiquette Book of Potter House somewhere in this house or perhaps in the family vault."

"We can check the library!" Hermione said excitedly.

"It doesn't let you go in," Father Martin replied from behind the door to the garden.

"Ah! Are you my muggle man?" Augusta couldn't see him well at that distance. "Come out where I can see you…"

"Um, I think so…" the man said, walking towards her and offering his hand, "Father Martin Shaw, it's a pleasure."

Augusta eyed him up and down slowly. Nothing more amusing than tempting clerics to sin. She placed her hand on top of his, and he awkwardly shook it briefly. He felt like she was taking his clothes off with her eyes. "The pleasure is all mine, I assure you," she smiled in a coquettish way. Mr. Snape and Sirius were right. She could be his mother, and she didn't care he was a priest. He saw her eyes lingering on his collar. "The reason it won't let you in is that you need permission from the Head of House Potter…"

"Oh, that makes sense…" Martin replied. It didn't make sense, but it felt like he had to say that. "May I join your class?"

"Yes, darling. Sit over there. I don't want you blocking the kids' view," she motioned. "You are lucky I'm feeling good today. Otherwise, I may have to give you some detention." Augusta said with a saucy smile. She immediately went to professor mode, changed her expression to a severe one, and said, "Never be late to my class again."

"Never again, professor," Martin smiled.


One hour later, Martin was a happy man. Augusta was a wonderful, patient, albeit strict, professor. She made complicated things like photosynthesis sound easy to understand. Her putting things on a child's level made things a lot more understandable for him. She was very aware that Harry and Hermione had no background knowledge. Harry had taken care of the Dursley's garden, but it only had flowers. The children were joyful students. Even young Neville participated actively. He clearly loved plants. Draco was like a small adult. He looked at Harry and Hermione when they were giggling with excitement and rolled his eyes. Martin stood up suddenly to help Augusta with some heavy potted plants, and the boy jumped back and brought his arms to cover his face. Odd, the priest thought.

"Allow me, Lady Longbottom," Martin offered, crouching to lift a heavy plant without hurting his back.

"Ah, a gentleman," she patted his flexed arm and winked. "Thank you. But I wasn't going to lift it with my arms…" she explained, waving her wand, and all the other heavy plants levitated to the table in front of her.

Martin blushed. "Right, I should have guessed."

"It's all right dear, I appreciate the gesture," Augusta patted his upper back, and he sat back down. He saw a flash of blonde hair move by the door to one of the balconies of the second floor that overlooked the garden. Apparently, Narcissa was also observing the lesson; but she hid. Odd again, he thought.

"Professor?" Harry raised his hand.

"Yes, Harry?" Augusta looked down at the boy.

"Can I go to the loo?"

"I don't know, dear, can you?"

Harry looked around mortified. Hermione giggled and whispered something in his ear. "Oh, right. May I go to the loo?"

"You may."


Augusta was a satisfied woman. The lesson had gone on splendidly. The children were smart, curious, and polite, and that muggle man… scrumptious. Shame he was a cleric. The grandmother looked with a serene heart at how Harry and Hermione, and occasionally Draco, were helping her grandson come out of his shell. Hermione was especially good at making him talk. She took a bite of the sandwich Neesy brought her as a snack. It was delicious.

Augusta mused for a while. She had noticed that Draco had been scared of the priest's sudden movement. She had heard about Malfoy's crimes and was very happy when she heard that Narcissa had decided to leave the man. She was horrified at Emma's description of Narcissa's scarring. She was working on a healing salve for old wounds, and now she had another reason to work hard on it. It was an absolute disgrace how cowardly men thought they could show how powerful they were by stomping on those they should take care of. She sighed. Her husband, may he rest in peace, felt absolute hatred for abusive men. He treated her with respect and love always. Even in bad times, she could always count on him to keep a leveled head. She missed being married. She missed his counsel, his support.

Then there were her son and daughter in law. How she wished they could be a part of Neville's life. Augusta often felt that she was too old to provide the kind of relationship her boy needed. She wanted to have Neville around kids his age and other trustworthy adults. Neville's great uncle had commented in front of the child that he was sure Neville was definitely a squib. This was a huge blow for his self-esteem. Augusta knew he was magical because she had seen his accidental magic bouts. However, she worried that waiting for him to seriously try magic until Hogwarts would not do. She wanted him to come out of his shell. Magic is an emotion and intent-based energy. The more a witch or wizard is attuned with their emotions and feels confident, the more their magic will reach its potential. Perhaps she could talk to the Grangers and Sirius about Neville joining the kids for all the other classes.


The classmates were under a large tree, eating their mid-morning snack. Harry and Hermione were having a bowl of different fruits covered in yogurt and granola. Draco really did not like yogurt. He ended up getting his favorite snack, and he was sure his mother was involved. He had a platter with baby carrots, ham and cheese rollups, and a bit of sugar to coat the carrots. Neville, on the other hand, had a hamburger with chips. They were all drinking water except for Neville, who had grape juice. He was surprised at how healthy the other kids ate.

Neville looked at how lean and healthy they looked. He was chubby. His cheeks were constantly red, and he noticed, from walking around with them, that while he was out of breath after a few minutes of vigorous walking, they were never tired. However, they stopped when they saw he was having difficulty catching up and never said anything to make it evident they were stopping for him. Perhaps he should eat as they did and start walking around more. His hobbies were mostly things that could be done sitting down. He liked to read, to do crossword puzzles, to work with clay and with plants. He usually did most of his walking in the greenhouse. Draco, Harry, and Hermione were really enjoying their healthy food too. It was ironic that he loved to take care of plants, but he didn't like to eat them.

Draco had brought his cushion with him. He wouldn't sit on the floor like a savage. The three kids had been talking animatedly for a while. Hermione wanted to know more about Neville and tried to get some more information.

"So, it's just you and the professor, then?" Hermione asked Neville while taking a bite of an apple.

"Um… Y-Yes," Neville answered, looking down.

"Where are your parents?" Draco asked in confusion. "Did they like die or something?"

Hermione smacked the back of the boy's head. "Ouch!" He complained.

"Draco! You can't just ask that!" Hermione whisper shouted.

"Why not?" Draco seemed affronted but ate one of his carrots after dipping it in sugar.

"It's impolite," Harry and Hermione replied in a stern voice that would have made Headmistress McGonagall proud. Hermione wrinkled her nose at the sugar. Draco rolled his eyes.

"They are not dead…" Neville began with a sad tone.

"Then why do you live with your grandma?" Hermione asked in a soothing voice.

The boy looked away, and his eyes filled with tears.

"You don't have to tell us," said Harry. "Not if it makes you sad."

"Oh, zip it, you two! Is it embarrassing?" asked Draco with interest, "Is it tragic?"

"Draco!" Hermione whisper shouted.

"What?!" Draco asked with a frown. "All I am saying is that he doesn't have to be embarrassed. Harry's parents are dead. My father is in prison. The only normal parents here are yours, Hermione!"

"Oh…" She blushed. Harry frowned a bit at his parents being dead. It always hurt a bit. Hermione squeezed his hand.

"They are not in prison… Or maybe they are," Neville said in a low volume. He didn't want his grandma to know how he felt.

"You mean you don't know where they are?" Draco asked.

"I do. They are in a special ward at St. Mungo's. They were tortured until they lost their minds and became cataple-, no, catala-,… it's a hard word."

"Catatonic?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah…" Neville shrugged.

"What is that?" Draco asked with his brow furrowed.

"I don't know. I just read the word twice. I didn't look it up," Hermione blushed. She hated not knowing things.

"Um… It means that they are just existing. They don't t-talk or m-move. They just stare into n-nothingness all day. They have to be fed and bathed magically… They are like imprisoned inside their own body" two fat tears fell from the boy's eyes.

Hermione's heart saddened for the boy. She squeezed Neville's hand. What a horrible thing! She thought. They were there, and yet they were not.

"How long have they been like that?" Hermione asked.

"Always… Grandma says it happened when I was too young, and that is why I don't even remember their voices. And still, somehow, I miss them so much…"

Draco felt bad. When he thought of his mom in the same situation, he felt really bad for the boy. "Sorry, Neville, I shouldn't have asked."

"Who did that to them?" Harry asked, feeling a need to avenge his new friend.

"My gran says I'm too young to know…"

Harry decided he would find out. Neville deserved justice and to have his parents back.

"Neville, do you want to join us for our other classes?" Hermione asked, hoping this would cheer the boy up.

"Really?! You have more classes?!" the boy asked, clear excitement in his voice. "What other things are you studying?"

"Yes, we are learning History of Magic, English, Maths, Geography, and Herbology so far… but soon we are going to learn from the elves too," Hermione smiled with delight. Learning was what she enjoyed most.

"We are probably going to have to learn eti-etiquette too. I think you and Draco can help us with that since you know more than us," Harry looked at Draco, who seemed very happy to know more than them about something.

"Are you sure I can study with you? I wouldn't want to be a burden or to impose on the hospitality of Potter Manor…" Neville's voice drifted off.

"Nonsense, Nev! We want our friends to learn with us," Harry said with a smile.

"F-Friends?" Neville seemed genuinely shocked at this. Harry and Hermione nodded enthusiastically while standing up to go return the dishes. Draco nodded once, picking up his cushion and the snack tray.

Neville jumped up and hugged the three kids, thanked them, and ran off to tell his grandmother that he had friends! Draco had stiffened at the hug. He was still trying to get used to kind, spontaneous physical touch. Harry and Hermione just chuckled and followed the boy.


Narcissa smiled to herself from her balcony. She had seen the interactions between the kids. She was still wearing clothes from Emma Granger with some temporary spells to fit better to her shape. Her few black clothes were being washed. She was wearing a dark blue pencil skirt and a long-sleeve silk blouse in a light blue tone. She had actually tried to make herself look good when getting ready. For no reason. No reason at all. A knock to her open door made her turn.

"Narcissa, is everything alright with the priest?" Snape said, holding on to the door for support. He was much better, but there were a lot of stairs in that house. Narcissa was looking beautiful. He had never seen her wear anything so… complementary to her femininity. Snape shook his head in an attempt to clear it.

"What? Sure, why wouldn't it be?" Narcissa replied in confusion.

"He called you Ms. Black…."

"Oh, that…." Narcissa blushed, walked briskly to the door, and pulled Severus into her room. She sat him down on a rocking chair by the balcony. Snape looked surprised and confused at this. "You looked like you were about to fall down. You are still recovering. Don't overexert yourself."

"Thank you… There are so many stairs here…"

"Yes, we will all have great legs and bums in a couple of months," she chuckled.

Severus looked at her and thought: her legs and bum are perfect the way they… Fuck! No, I am not going there. Bad Severus! Stop it! He pinched the top of his nose and closed his eyes, willing away the thoughts.

Narcissa went on, seemingly not noticing his predicament, "He called me Ms. Black because that is who I will be as soon as the divorce is finalized."

"You think Lucius will just sign it? Without a fight?"

"He has very little money left compared to when we married. He was sending a lot of funds to some man. He said he was funding the future, whatever that means. I even had to pawn some jewelry. Sirius was very clear in his demands for my divorce…"

"Funding the future?" Severus repeated with a frown.

"I have no idea. He was a little off it the last few months…" Narcissa said, gesturing at her head.

"Too many vials, huh?"

"Definitely, and he is not you…" Narcissa smiled at Snape.

"Meaning?" Snape asked, dragging his speech.

"Well, you are a Potions Master. You would know what you should and shouldn't mix. We both know you have a much stronger constitution."

"We do?" Snape asked with a lifted brow.

"Pleeeease. I saw you fight the Imperius curse countless times successfully! He would crucio the hell out of you, and somehow you would stand up like nothing happened and thank that… bastard!"

"Perhaps, but I was under a significant amount of potions for years…" he added a 'showing how much it hurts would only encourage him' in his mind.

"Regardless. You are a very strong man. This cleansing thing you are doing would have killed many. And yet, here you are, still standing, and better than ever!" Narcissa looked at him with bright eyes. "Draco is making friends, so am I, and you have a newfound family…"

He frowned. "I think they tolerate me in small doses."

"Harry and Draco love you. Hermione will love you too soon. Her heart is impressively accepting and caring. The Grangers treat you with kindness and respect. Even my cousin is nice to you! And your mom will be here soon too."

"I still don't understand how…"

"Sev, I think that when you are nice to nice people, they are just nice back… No hidden intentions. Isn't that refreshing?" she said, holding the man's pale, cold hands. "I am so done with watching my every step and everything I say for fear someone will tell Lucius or him. And now we are free! We have much to be thankful for."

He smiled and nodded. Her soft touch made him feel at peace. The realization shocked him.

"Sev, I wanted to apologize about the other night…" Narcissa sighed.

"What about?"

"Well, when Sirius suggested a rendezvous… I realize I reacted poorly. It was not because of you; it was me… I-" she took a shaky breath. "I am just getting divorced. My marriage was horrible. The things I had to do… I can't even think of getting involved with anyone until-"

Severus raised a hand to halt her from talking. "Narcissa, stop. You don't have to do this. I never thought you had those intentions. I understand. What that monster did to you… and to Draco was inexcusable and unforgivable. May he burn in hell for all of that. I am not good at making or keeping friends. But you and Draco mean the world to me. I know that this new beginning is hard on all of us, but I want you to know I am here for you. As your friend, first and foremost, and as a father figure for Draco for as long as he needs one," Snape squeezed Narcissa's soft hands.

"Thank you. You are a wonderful man," Narcissa smiled. She pulled him up. "Now, you are much too pale and cold. I am taking you outside for some sun."

"No, I am tired…"

"No excuses, you big baby. You are not walking. I am levitating you downstairs, let's go."

"Fine…"


Emma was sitting in an office, tapping her foot in frustration. She had decided to pull the plug on her public service at the hospital and resigned. The Head of her Department was not happy.

"Doctor Granger," he said in a pleading tone. "You cannot leave! You and your husband are our best pediatricians… What will happen to your patients?"

"Doctor Stevens, I have already talked to colleagues who will take on my cases. Actually, Dan has taken several already. They know and trust him… Families can still contact me. I just want to dedicate myself to a private practice and research."

"Are you looking for an easier pace?" the man asked with a lifted brow. Emma suddenly was inspired to use his sexism against him.

"Yes, you see, Dan and I want to try to get pregnant again, and since I had such a hard time with Hermione, I need to reduce the hours I work and my stress levels… so I can conceive sooner," she smiled her best damsel-in-distress smile.

The man cleared his throat. "Right? Well then, if you and your husband have agreed on this. I guess there is nothing I can do. Not even a raise would convince you to stay? Postpone the pregnancy?"

Emma took a slow breath. "How much?"

"I think I could do 20% more," the man smiled disingenuously.

"No, thank you. Considering the number of patients I have brought here, that hardly makes a difference when I weigh the advantages of working my own choice of hours and seeing fewer patients."

The man sighed. "Fine then. I wish you the very best. I had a feeling this was already decided before you came here so I wrote you a recommendation letter, not that you need one, and had my secretary take your file so you can take it with you… And good luck with your um trying."

YES! Emma thought. She had to tell Dan about her excuse before he freaked out. "Thank you, Doctor Stevens. Best of luck to you as well. I appreciate the letter. Thank you!"

Emma left the office, trying to keep her cool. She took the file and letter that the secretary handed her and walked towards her office. She saw her husband and moved towards him discreetly, pulling him into an empty room.

"What is it?" Dan was interrupted when Emma pushed him against the wall and kissed him, so thoroughly, he had to hold on to the wall.

"He accepted it!"

"Who? Um, what?" he asked, trying to catch his breath.

"Stevens! I am officially not working here anymore!" she exclaimed excitedly, kissing him again.

He slowly pulled away "I thought he would try to keep you, love."

"Oh, he did! He offered me 20% more."

Dan's eyebrows hid in his messy hair, and he whistled, "You really have your heart set on this, right?"

"Absolutely! I can't wait to start working on my research!" Emma giggled and hugged her husband. She mumbled something against his chest that he couldn't understand.

"I didn't hear that, come again?"

"I told him we're trying to get pregnant so he wouldn't question my decision to leave for private practice. You know he is sexist. If I had just said that I wanted to leave, he would have kept trying to get me not to quit," Emma smirked.

"Oh no… So now I have to work here with all the jokes about all the sex we supposedly have to conceive? I can hear them now… 'You are looking tired, doctor,' 'What happened, had to work last night?' Ugh!"

Emma laughed and kissed him again. "Well, we will not be trying to get pregnant… but that doesn't mean we can't work on it every - single - night!" She punctuated each word with a kiss.

"Good, because if I'll be bullied about it… I better be ravished regularly."

Both doctors laughed. Dan was happy that his wife was happy. He would still work part-time at the hospital and spend some time doing research with her, but first, they had to equip their lab. Sirius had told them there was a lab in the house, but without electricity, things seemed bleak. The cost of their house being rebuilt was mostly taken up by the insurance company, but until they sold it, they would have to wait to make big purchases. Daniel went to his office. He still had two more patients before he could leave.

Emma decided to do some clothes shopping for Severus, Narcissa, Draco, Ianthe, Daphne, and Astoria. Nothing fancy, just basic things to make them feel better. As soon as she was done, she decided to go see the construction. Then, she would use the mirror Sirius gave her, to make sure she could call Neesy to come to pick her up. It would take a few hours but seeing everyone more comfortable in clothes that were theirs would be worth it. With the galleons she got from Sirius and then converted with the help of a nifty magical purse, the goblins had sent them as an apology for the failing wards, and some of her own money, she would be able to get everyone nice things.


Neesy had to call for Trippy to get all the bags that Mistress Grangy had brought. Emma wanted to separate packages per family. Narcissa would probably be quite helpful. Emma asked Neesy to bring her friend to the living room. Narcissa was in the Library, where she was doing some research into positions published in the Prophet. She was upset to find she had no experience, and all the positions requested at least a couple of years. She sighed. Neesy popped next to her and she tensed up. She was still a bit nervous at sudden noises.

"Ms. Black, Missy Grangy be in the living room and is wanting me to brings you," Neesy explained with a short bow. Narcissa nodded and took the elf's hand. Emma Granger was sitting on the floor, separating various packages from different stores. None sounded familiar to Narcissa. The bags were shiny and pretty, though.

"You called for me?" Narcissa asked, approaching a distracted Emma.

"Yes, I did some shopping…"

"I can see that…" Narcissa smiled.

"I was wondering if you could help me out…"

"With what?"

"Sizing?"

"Um, sure…" Narcissa replied with a puzzled expression. "I don't really know these stores, but if I can help you, of course."

"Here," Emma said, passing Narcissa bags and boxes which the witch placed on a sofa behind her. "Be a dear and take these to your room."

"To my room?" Narcissa blinked rapidly at the brunette in confusion.

"Yes, they are yours," Emma smiled brightly. "Well, yours and Draco's, of course."

Narcissa was frozen. This woman had bought them clothing. She stammered and couldn't say anything.

Emma stood and put a hand on the shocked witch's shoulder.

"I am aware that wizards and witches dress… Um, old school style. I tried to be a bit conservative. I figured you could tighten or shorten items with your wand. It's nothing too fancy. I just thought that you would be more comfortable in your own clothes. But you are welcome to my closet any time," Emma squeezed Narcissa's shoulder.

Narcissa's eyes glistened. She pulled the woman in for a hug. "Thank you so much!"

"Don't mention it. Now, these are muggle clothes, but they are comfortable, and I think they are your correct size. It's all a gift from Sirius and I. Oh!" Emma exclaimed, turning around to get a big pink and black glossy bag. "I also got you some underwear. I think I guessed your size right, but if I didn't, and you can't alter them, I can go back for more."

Narcissa blushed but thanked Emma anyways.

"Oh, and you can tell Draco you bought it if it will make him uncomfortable to know where the clothes came from. Now, the underwear will probably be a bit revealing for what you are used to, but I assure you that nothing will pop out," Emma laughed. "They are quite comfortable. Go ahead and try them on. Do show me your favorites!"

Narcissa took off to her room, feeling very grateful. She hadn't even seen the clothes, but the gesture spoke highly of the kind of person Emma was. Her cousin was wonderful too!

She got to her room and closed the door behind her. She opened the bags one by one. First, she went over the bags that were for Draco. Emma was a very observant person. The bags had underwear, t-shirts in the colors that looked best on her son. There were some interesting pants of different lengths, a couple of pajama sets, a sweater, trainers, and slippers. They were all exactly Draco's size. She put everything back in the bags and opened her bags. Emma had great taste and definitely paid attention to the kind of cuts Narcissa preferred from the afternoon they had spent watching some magical fashion magazines. Something else Narcissa noted was that there was almost no black at all. The only black item was a black, three-quarter sleeve, knee-length dress. It was both elegant and simple. She remembered Emma's comment on the thing every woman's closet needs is a little black dress. Now Narcissa had one.

There were a few different blouses, a cardigan, a couple of pants of the same strange fabric as Draco's, a pencil skirt, trainers and socks, and then there was the underwear. Sweet Morgana! While Emma had assured her nothing would pop out, Narcissa wasn't so sure. Everything was beautiful and seemed of high quality. She touched the fabric and marveled at the softness of it. There were different designs and styles. Apparently, Emma was on a mission to help her figure out what she liked. Narcissa smiled and decided to go try an outfit on.

She took a mauve silk button-down blouse that fitted her like a dream emphasizing her small waist and giving her a curvier figure. The bra was incredible! The comfort! The lift! The fact that it was not noticeable at all under the silk… She loved it. And it had no wires! Muggles were so creative! It was amazing what they could accomplish without magic. She decided to put the most conservative undies with the interesting pants. They seemed stretchy and comfortable. She put them on and was marveled at how well she could move. She could crouch, kick, sit in any position, etc. It was quite taboo for pureblood witches to wear pants. Her husband would have died rather than allowing her to wear such revealing clothes in public. She put on the flat ballet-like shoes. They were also comfortable. She went downstairs to show Emma, not wanting to interrupt her son's first class.

Emma clapped happily when she saw her.

"Good Lord! Look at you! You look stunning!" Emma smiled, grabbing one of her hands and turning her around slowly to look at her all around. "You have curves! And that color suits you so much better!"

Narcissa was genuinely surprised at the woman's reaction. All her female 'friends' would have looked at her with contempt and wished for her to trip or something. They were all too competitive when it came to their looks, but Emma was gushing with delight. It felt lovely to have the genuine support of a real female friend.

"Please tell me what these pants are called. I am obsessed!" Narcissa exclaimed, tugging at the stretchy front pockets. [A/N: All women's jeans and pants should be legally required to have pockets! I will fight you on this!]

"They are called jeans. Now they were originally made of denim, which was a strong fabric for working in the fields and with animals, but now they mix different fabrics, and that's why they are so comfy and flattering."

"Daaaaaaaaaamn!" Sirius walked into the living room with the book on alliances. He had been reading it religiously when a Gringotts owl interrupted him. Lucius was not keen on signing the divorce. Not for free. He was about to tell Narcissa, but as he looked up and saw his cousin's new look, he had to whistle. "Emma, who is this beautiful woman here. Gorgeous, have we met? Are you single? Can I buy you a drink?"

Narcissa laughed and blushed, "Sirius! Stop it!"

He approached her and hugged her to him so he could kiss her forehead. "Why, doll? It is true. You look wonderful."

"Thank you for the compliment, and for the clothes."

"Don't mention it," Sirius smiled and walked away to his room. He needed to put some pressure on Gringotts to get the divorce finalized as soon as possible. Her freedom was worth every galleon that it would surely cost the family's coffers.


Ianthe was feeling sorer than she did after delivering her daughters. Both deliveries had been brutal. She had been in labor for over twenty hours each time. Every muscle in her body hurt. Her joints felt stiff. Her head was pounding. She was parched, and her stomach began to rumble. She opened her dry eyes and started blinking rapidly, trying to moisten them. Where was she? Why was she so tired? Where were her daughters? The room seemed lavish and had curtains that, fortunately, let no light in. Last night's events rushed through her mind. She was in Potter Manor.

Chiky popped next to her bed, feeling his mistress' distress. "I is here. Girls is safe."

The elf poured her a cup of water from the pitcher on the bedside table. "C-Chiky, how d-did you find me?"

"Chiky will always finds mistress."

"I know, but this place is not one you can just come into…" she replied after taking a few sips of water.

"No, Lord Black be telling your account manager that we could stays here because you were here. So we be helping the elves here in the greenhouse and with the little mistresses."

"Thank Morgana! I would have gone crazy with worry. Where are my girls?"

"Theys be trying to wakes you, but you be needing sleep to gets strong. We is being taking care of them while you be healing," Chiky looked down to hide tears. Ianthe realized he thought she was angry.

"Oh, I am not upset, Chiky. You did wonderfully, I am sure. I just miss my girls."

"It's just… Mistress… We is thinking you would not wakes up!" the elf hugged his mistress' feet and bawled like a child.

"Oh, poor Chiky, no! I am fine… Well, I am sore and tired, but I'll be alright…" She pulled the little elf to her arms with difficulty and hugged him. She called all her elves and opened her arms. They all got into bed with a general cry of "Mistress! You is awakes!"

"We is sorry for not thinking you woulds wakeys. You has been sleeping for seven days!" Milly informed her, dabbing her tears away.

"What?!" She tried to sit up so fast that her world spun. Her elves help her sit until she felt more steady. "I know you have been taking care of them, but my babies must be terrified!"

"Mrs. Grangy and Ms. Black is being mother hens," Jonsy answered with a smile. Ianthe could tell that he liked the women, which was quite odd. Jonsy was a grumpy old elf.

There was a soft knock at the door.

"Come in," Ianthe said after their elves wrapped her in a robe and made her hair look presentable with a few short snaps of their fingers.

"Neesy tells me you are awake, Ianthe," a smiling Emma said, pushing the door open slowly. She was holding Astoria while Daphne held on to Narcissa's hands. Ianthe immediately noticed her girls looked happy and healthy. They were wearing new clothes too.

"Mummy!" Daphne said, running to her mother's arms.

"We know you are probably feeling faint, but being mothers ourselves, we also know that we would want our children with us before anything else," Emma walked to the bed. She smiled at Ianthe, who took Astoria and kissed her as the toddler giggled.

"Oh, thank you both so much! This is just what I needed!" Ianthe hugged both girls tight. They giggled. Narcissa took a deep breath and giving a look to Emma, walked away from the open door where she still stood. Emma nodded discreetly.

"But not the only thing you need. You must be starving. Neesy," Emma called.

"Missy Grangy, Lady Greengrass," Neesy bowed, holding a tray. Chiky popped in front of Neesy, clearly excited to give food to his mistress. He looked at Neesy questioningly. Elves were respectful of other elves' ranks, and Neesy was Head of Elves at the manor. Neesy smiled and handed him the platter, she then popped away. Once Ianthe had her food, her elves popped away to prepare a bath and clothes for their mistress.

"Ianthe, I took the liberty of getting you and your daughters some clothes. Jonsy helped me with the sizes. The clothes are in the dresser." Emma chuckled at Ianthe's surprised face. "Anyways, enjoy your meal. The girls already ate. I will come back later to check on you, and one of your elves can bring you your potions. There are a lot of them," Emma said with an encouraging smile.

"Thank you, Mrs. Granger, for everything. Thank Ms. Black, too," Ianthe smiled gratefully after a few sips of tea.

"Emma, dear. We are all going to be living together for the foreseeable future. We can do away with formalities. Once you finish eating, if you want to bathe, your elves know where to take you. I put some of my favorites in your bathroom. Daphne says you will like them, didn't you, sugar?" Emma asked the girl who nodded happily, stealing a strawberry from her mother's plate of fruit.

"Thank you, I could never pay you back for everything you have done for me… and them," Ianthe smiled.

"Don't mention it. You are friends with Sirius and Remus and, by extension, all of us," Emma laughed. "You may be getting a lot more than what you bargained for."

"I am happy to make new friends. Gloomy times are coming. We all need all the friends we can get," Ianthe smiled. Daphne nodded with a serious expression.

"I'll get out of your hair. If you need anything, your elves have permission to do or get anything you need, or if you need me, call Neesy, and she will bring me here. Oh, before I forget. Your elves tell me they want to have a send-off for Ritzy. He was cremated by them. When you feel better, you need only name the day, and we will set up a beautiful ceremony for him as he deserves."

Ianthe nodded sadly. "Thank you so much… That will mean the world to all of us."


"Hello?" Emma said from outside Snape's door. "Are you there?"

"Yes, Emma, do come in," Severus stood up from the desk.

"Hey, how are you feeling? I was told you've been moving on your own a lot…"

"Yes, I feel like I can walk a bit more every day, and that is thanks to you," Severus smiled at the doctor. He noticed she was carrying bags.

"And thanks to you too. You have been a very good patient," Emma smiled and walked to his bed, placing the bags there. "We bought some things for you. I figured you could use more clothes while you can go get your own."

Severus blushed. He was mortified. "Emma, I-I don't know what to say. You shouldn't have bothered…"

"Oh, pish posh! I am sure you will feel and look much better once you are out of the all-black all the time," Emma smiled, holding up a white button-down. It looked like it would fit him just fine.

"But I like black," Severus looked down.

"I know, and I did buy a couple black things, please go try some things on! I can't wait to see you out of those robes, come on," Emma shooed him to his bathroom.

Severus went through the bags and realized she had even bought him underwear. While he was a grown man, and he knew she meant nothing by it, he was still embarrassed. Probably the elves told her the kind of underwear he wore. The Potions Master took out black jeans and put them on. He hadn't worn muggle clothes in over a decade. He then put on the white button-down shirt and a dark gray cardigan. He slipped on the black loafers she had bought him. They were very comfortable. Severus even put on a black belt. He came out blushing.

"My God! You look so much younger!" Emma gushed. She pulled him to stand in front of a mirror.

He was surprised to see she was right. He looked significantly younger and rested. His skin was no longer translucent. Taking some sun each morning and all the exercise and healthy meals, not to mention the good friendly company had done wonders for his appearance. He rarely ever looked at himself in the mirror. "Is that me?"

"Yes, it is. Oh! Before I forget," Emma took a small bag from a bigger one. "Please don't be embarrassed or take this the wrong way…"

Snape frowned. He should have known there were too many positives in this interaction. "What is it?"

"I remembered a conversation we had some days ago when we were doing your therapy. So, I went to the pharmacy."

"Is there something wrong with me?" Severus asked, growing worried.

"No, you are fine. I just remembered you had asked me in one of our sessions why your hair was so greasy. I forgot about it until today, but think you have seborrheic dermatitis in your scalp," she said, handing him the bag.

Severus colored and took the bag. "And this will get rid of it?"

"Yes. Now I suggest that you get a haircut too," Emma smiled reassuringly.

"Will the haircut improve the effectiveness of the shampoo?"

"No, but it will make using it a lot less of a hassle. Additionally, I believe you would look even more handsome with a different haircut," she winked and shrugged.

"Thank you," Severus smiled. "How much do I owe you?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I am happy to help," Emma smiled and actually skipped away.

Severus chuckled. That woman was something else. He was so glad to know her.


After he was done with his workday, Daniel decided to stop by Father Martin's church to do some snooping and find out if someone had tried to contact the man. When he got near the parish, he was surprised to see that the church was closed with a chain. He talked to a neighbor who told him that the Monsignor in charge of Father Martin hadn't found a replacement yet. Daniel pretended to go to his house to oversee construction. Then he waited until the sun went down to go to the church. He sent a message to his wife, telling her he would stop by the church and to send Neesy to their backyard in around twenty minutes.

Daniel walked the side of the office. There was a planter outside, and Daniel knew there was a key underneath it. He took the key and let himself into the office. He looked around for any signs of disturbance. He didn't want to turn on the lights, so he used a small flashlight he kept in his glove compartment. There were several letters on top of each other: one was from the Monsignor, another was from a Cardinal, the last one came from Martin's aunt. Everything seemed in order, although… Wait a minute. He could smell burning incense. Was there someone in the church? He pressed his ear against the door that connected to the church. His eyes widened. Something was happening in there. From what he remembered from his Latin knowledge, what was going on was dangerous and scary. He recognized the words for sacrifice, blood, ritual, magic!? Wait, diabolus!? What the actual fuck!? He had to get out of there now. His heart was pounding. His hands felt clammy. Whoever was in there wouldn't be happy to know he was listening.

As Daniel turned to leave, slowly so he wouldn't make any noise, he was hit behind the head and saw no more. His last conscious thought was that, indeed, the road to hell was paved with good intentions.


A/N: Hey there! Thank you for reading. How is isolation treating you? I had a 25K word chapter but had to rearrange some plot bunnies and make things a bit more manageable and redistribute content. I am aware of the delays in my posting. Sorry! :( Video making is not my thing and I am creating videos for the three university classes I am teaching that have had to be adapted to fully online. It's been a steep learning curve. I really hope you are okay wherever you are. Please stay home as much as you can. I am behind in replying to your messages/reviews. I hope to do so tomorrow. Thank you for the follows and the favorites, they brighten my days. -Lux-